Sandiganbayan convicts Muntinlupa mayor Biazon of graft, clears him of malversation

May 30, 2025 , 06:32 PM

(May 30, 2025) – The Sandiganbayan has convicted Muntinlupa City Mayor and former lawmaker Ruffy Biazon of graft over the alleged misuse of his P3 million Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) in 2007.

In a 191-page decision promulgated on Friday, the anti-graft court’s Special Seventh Division convicted Biazon for violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, sentencing him to a minimum of six years and one month to a maximum of eight years in prison, with perpetual disqualification from holding public office.

The case stemmed from Biazon’s endorsement of the non-government organization (NGO) Philippine Social Development Foundation, Inc. (PSDFI), which the court found to be controlled by alleged PDAF scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles.

While the court acknowledged that the prosecution failed to prove that Biazon received any kickbacks, it ruled that his “gross inexcusable negligence” allowed public funds to be funneled into a bogus NGO.

“This negligence gave unwarranted benefits and advantages to Napoles and De Leon, through PSDFI, who pocketed the subject PDAF funds, instead of using the same for the government’s intended purpose of benefiting Biazon’s constituents,” wrote the decision penned by Associate Justice Zaldy Trespeses.

“Maintaining such a vantage point that reels of apathy and indifference on how the project would come about constitutes gross inexcusable negligence,” added the decision. “From the perspective of public accountability, this is plain and simple omission that amounts to gross inexcusable negligence.”

The Sandiganbayan stressed that Biazon’s responsibility didn’t stop at endorsing PSDFI. By backing the group, the court said, he had a legal duty to make sure the project was actually carried out and completed.

Despite his conviction, the court did not impose any civil liability on Biazon, finding that “no civil liability is adjudged” against him as there was no proof he personally benefited from the scheme.

The court also acquitted Biazon and all other accused of the charge of malversation, citing a lack of direct evidence showing that the PDAF funds were misappropriated or that Biazon had custody of the funds.

Meanwhile, Napoles and De Leon were ordered to return P2.7 million to the National Treasury for their role in diverting the public funds.

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